Latest news with #IgE
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Eczema and Asthma: The Hidden Connection
Eczema and Asthma – two inflammatory conditions that often co-occur, are affecting millions worldwide. In a survey, it was found that around 25% of atopic dermatitis patients were also diagnosed with asthma at the same time. This led to an inquisitiveness among medical researchers to understand the hidden connection between these two. Eczema Eczema means 'Vicharchika' in Ayurveda. It results in itching, inflammation, and formation of scaly patches on the skin. This commonly manifests in childhood but can emerge in adulthood as well. According to the non-profit National Eczema Association (NEA), here are the current statistics of eczema: ● Worldwide, 10% to 20% are children survivors ● Around 2% to 10% are adults According to Ayurvedic theory, this condition is a result of imbalanced bodily energies (doshas), mainly Kapha and Pitta doshas. Under Ayurvedic treatment for atopic eczema, these energies are primarily managed to help address the root cause of eczema occurrence. Asthma 'Swasa Roga' – an Ayurvedic term for Asthma. It is marked by inflammation and the narrowing of the airways. As per the reports of the WHO (World Health Organization), the count of people with asthma has crawled up to around 260 million globally. The common signs of Swasa Roga that one has to survive are shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. In the initial stage, this disease is treatable. However, it can become chronic and incurable with time due to improper management or medical attention. But there is still hope. Ayurveda is one such avenue by which asthma patients receive relief from the painful exacerbations that they are forced to experience. The Connection Between Eczema And Asthma Atopic March This phenomenon of co-occurrence of eczema and asthma, is referred to as the 'atopic march'. The studies have proven that up to 80% of children with eczema may become the victim to allergies and asthma in the future. One of the top leading Ayurvedic doctors of India, Dr. Mukesh Sharda has shared, 'People who have severe or chronic eczema are significantly more likely to catch asthma'. A few factors can further increase the risk, such as family history, high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and early sensitivity to allergens. Role Of Immune System People with both conditions often have mutations in their gene named FLG (filaggrin). This is a gene that maintains the skin's barrier. In case of a defective skin barrier, allergens are free to enter the body, triggering an immune response that will eventually lead to asthma. Plus, as shared above, people who are dealing with eczema and asthma often have higher levels of IgE antibodies. This makes them more reactive to allergens. For eg., dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. Hidden Facts & Recent Findings The emerging research continues to shed light on the eczema-asthma connection. ● In a 2023 study from Stanford University, they found that the patients with asthma or eczema have around a 58% higher risk of developing osteoarthritis (in approx. 10 years). Worst part? This risk is doubled for individuals with both conditions. ● 40% of children with eczema develop asthma by age 5. This highlights the importance of early and proper medical intervention for management. ● Air pollution and climate change have doubled the prevalence of both conditions in the past 50 years. ● Some eczema patients experience 'asthma attacks' due to skin inflammation, even though without any direct involvement of the lungs. The Ayurvedic Management Approach of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda Ayurveda offers a unique way of dealing with various health diseases, and being deeply connected to its roots, Dr. Sharda Ayurveda's team follows the same path. As eczema and asthma are 2 different health disorders, they both are managed in a significant manner. Ayurveda believes that the root cause of each skin disease lies somewhere within the body itself. Thus, the treatment is not just topical for symptomatic relief. Therefore, under Ayurvedic skin treatment, detoxification therapies are offered to cleanse the body. Plus, herbal remedies and nutritional adjustments in the Eczema diet are also prescribed as required. Whereas, managing respiratory conditions with Ayurvedic strategies may include breathing exercises and modifications in lifestyle and eating habits. However, each patient is offered a unique plan. It is completely personalized as per the body type of the patient and the severity of their disease. Sum Up Understanding the link between asthma and eczema aids in finding a proper cure for the condition. Ayurvedic medicine offers valuable management options that focus on healing and addressing the underlying imbalances, especially doshas and impurification.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
'Only 60 people in the UK have our daughter's genetic condition'
The family of a three-year-old girl with one of the UK's rarest genetic conditions are faced with the prospect of relocating to another city in order to get treatment for her. Autumn, who lives near York, has Hyper-IgE syndrome, which affects her immune system and requires daily antibiotics. The toddler must spend six months at the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle from October, to receive a bone marrow transplant. She has been told that Father Christmas will deliver her presents in hospital, but knows that after the operation, she will no longer have to take daily medication. Doctors first noticed something was wrong when Autumn was born, as she had raised levels of white blood cells, indicating an infection. However, no infection could be found, and over the next 18 months, the family were "in and out of hospital with various different things", her father Matt says. It was only during a visit to Harrogate District Hospital when a consultant, Dr Alexandra Hardisty, mentioned she had previously seen a case of Hyperimmunoglobulin E (Hyper-IgE) syndrome. "It's needle in a haystack stuff - only 60 people in the UK have been diagnosed with this," Matt adds. Genetic testing confirmed the suspicions, but also found neither of Autumn's parents carried the gene. "It's a genetic mutation," her mother, Louise, explains. "It's like a spelling mistake in her genes and it just means that her immune system – although it produces white blood cells so they can go fight the infection - they don't actually know where they're going. "So they just run around her body and they might stumble upon it, but she needs extra help to get rid of infections." According to the charity Immunodeficiency UK, common features are "severe eczema, increased susceptibility to infections and markedly raised levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE)". Autumn's treatment will involve eight days of chemotherapy to destroy existing cells, before they are replaced through a bone marrow transplant from a donor in Germany. After the eight days she will have "no immune system whatsoever", Matt says, meaning there are strict rules to control any infection risk. Autumn will spend three months in an isolation room with a carefully-controlled oxygen level, with only one of her parents allowed to sleep there at a time. Every time they enter, they will need to scrub down and discard any outdoor coats or clothes. Autumn's pyjamas and teddy, Mrs Pink Bunny, will have to be washed every morning, she will use a new toothbrush every day, and can only eat food provided by the hospital. "There's a period of time when there's a line in the room and she's not even allowed over the line in the room," Matt adds. "The hospital say that they expect her to be a bit more resilient than we would even be, because of her age." Meanwhile, they will "press pause" on family life, Louise says, as she prepares to temporarily close her yoga and personal training business. The hospital provides accommodation for whichever parent is not sleeping on the ward, but she says they will be "very much passing ships". The family has already visited the team of medics in Newcastle and "completed the hospital", Matt says. After visits to "dentistry, CT scans, X rays, the play team, consultants, research teams, professors", he says all three family members had a blood test. Autumn says she went first to show her parents how "easy" it was: "I got a sticker - I was very brave." Louise says: "You think, 'how are we going to do this?', but you just do, because it's going to prolong her life and she'll come out of this process with a completely new immune system." Matt adds: "We had moments when we're like: 'Remember when you were a kid and you'd see those families on GMTV with poorly children trying to go to Disney?' We're now that family. That's now us." They have received support from a charity, helping families of children receiving stem cell transplants at the hospital in Newcastle. The Bubble Foundation funds research and toys for the ward, as well as providing advice and reducing the financial burden for families. "You want to be able to concentrate on the matter in hand," Matt says. While he is able to continue working remotely during the move, he knows some others "lose their jobs because companies can't afford to keep paying them, so the Bubble Foundation help with a lot of that". Before the treatment takes place in October, Louise and Matt are completing a number of fundraising challenges, including a fell run and triathlon event. They are also inviting others to take part in charity days at two gyms, in York and Boroughbridge. "The objective is to raise awareness and the driver is a bit of a coping mechanism and distraction," Matt says. Louise jokes: "I think going into hospital in Newcastle for six months is a challenge enough, but I got signed up for it, so let's do it!" Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Boy, 5, saved by stem cell transplant Woman appeals for stem cell donor to save her life 'It was so easy to give people more years of life' Immunodeficiency UK The Bubble Foundation
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Can inflammation be reversed with diet? Here's why ghee, jamun and blueberries are what you need
Mumbai-based Shirish, a 45-year-old entrepreneur, didn't know what was causing his itchy rashes, stomach ache, pain in the feet and low-grade fever. Being overweight, he had prediabetes and hypertension but nothing was alarming to cause these symptoms. That's when Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, diabetes nutritionist and inflammation specialist, asked him to take the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test to identify allergies through the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream. He had elevated IgE levels, suggesting his body was overreacting to allergens or fighting off an infection, both of which can trigger inflammation. 'In his case, it had become chronic. We decided to lower it through his diet,' she says. While inflammation is the body's natural defence mechanism against injury or infection, chronic inflammation is a low-grade, persistent state that can silently affect our tissues and organs over time. 'In its acute form, it helps heal wounds and fight pathogens. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it can harm rather than heal. It has been linked to a wide range of health conditions, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, skin conditions like eczema, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. This accelerates disease,' says Dr Sonia Gandhi, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Fortis Hospital, Mohali. Certain foods are known to combat inflammation, while others may worsen it. 'Anti-inflammatory foods include fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and fibre, fatty fish such as salmon and sardines with high levels of Omega-3, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, olive oil and spices such as turmeric and ginger,' shares Dr Gandhi. For Shirish, Tibrewala eliminated refined oils, maida, processed meats, eggs, nuts, gluten and nightshade vegetables (those which grow in the shade and night, including tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, bell peppers). 'Nightshade vegetables are nutrient-rich but they contain lectins, which are proteins that can interfere with nutrient absorption and potentially cause inflammation in those already affected. So, we focussed on whole, unprocessed foods, rich in anti-inflammatory properties,' says Tibreswala. After four weeks, Shirish's fevers stopped. His gut health improved and his rashes vanished. Both blood pressure and blood sugar levels returned to normal ranges. The team tested levels of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and found them to be low. Use natural fats instead of processed oils. 'Add cashew paste, of course in moderation, to curries instead of oil or butter. Mix sesame (til) paste into thepla or roti dough to cut down oil use,' says Tibrewala. Make your plate colourful. Natural pigments in food act like antioxidants and suppress inflammation, including black foods like jamun, black gram, black soybean, karonda and blueberries. Include orange foods like carrots, pumpkin, papaya, rich in beta-carotene. 'Start your day with a teaspoon of ghee as it helps repair the gut lining and improve digestion. Include black seeds (kalonji) or its oil in meals as it is an anti-inflammatory ingredient,' says Tibrewala. According to her, one must avoid grains and meat after sunset, have an early dinner, reduce gluten and replace all refined and processed food with home-cooked meals. Of course, diet would be of no use without physical activity that releases anti-inflammatory compounds and helps regulate body weight.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Nikki Tamboli recalls being admitted to ICU after eating prawns: ‘My lungs collapsed'
Nikki Tamboli recently had a health scare when she stepped out for dinner with friends. Recalling the details of the fateful night, the actor shared that she was admitted to the ICU, or intensive care unit, of a hospital following a shellfish allergy. 'I went to eat dinner in a restaurant with my friends. I didn't know I had a shellfish allergy. I had 4 big prawns. Reaction happened. My lungs collapsed because they got inflamed. My eyes were inflamed. I had spots all over my face and body. Then I experienced itching. The face swelled up. The internal organs were so inflamed that they almost reduced the blood flow in the body. My breathing almost stopped,' Tamboli, who recently appeared on Celebrity Masterchef, told Pinkvilla. She was then rushed to a hospital. 'It was an emergency case. I was literally taken to the hospital in a wheelchair. I was told to get admitted to an ICU. I was there for two days so that the inflammation came down.' Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said the case highlights the seriousness of food allergies and the need for greater awareness and preparedness. 'Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies in adults and can trigger severe, sometimes life-threatening reactions. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in shellfish as harmful invaders. In response, the body releases chemical mediators, like histamine, which lead to a cascade of symptoms ranging from mild skin irritation to dangerous respiratory and cardiovascular complications,' said Dr Singla. Why do some people experience near-death effects? Dr Singla noted that even a trace amount of the allergen can provoke a strong immune response in individuals with a shellfish allergy. Shellfish allergy can cause various symptoms, including hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. 'In severe cases, it may lead to anaphylaxis, a medical emergency marked by narrowing of the airways, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat. If not treated promptly, this can progress to respiratory failure, organ damage, or even death,' said Dr Singla. While some reactions may present as mild hives or stomach discomfort, others can escalate rapidly into severe anaphylaxis or breathing issues. 'Factors such as the amount of allergen ingested, individual sensitivity, or delayed treatment can contribute to the intensity of the reaction,' said Dr Singla. Diagnosis and medical treatment Proper diagnosis is key to managing shellfish allergy. Doctors typically begin with a detailed medical history, reviewing previous reactions after shellfish consumption. 'Diagnostic tests may include skin prick tests, where a small amount of shellfish extract is applied to the skin to observe for allergic response, or blood tests that measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, markers of allergic sensitivity,' he said. In mild cases, symptoms may settle within a few hours, said Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai. 'In severe reactions, especially if breathing or heart function is affected, hospital observation for 2-3 days may be required for the patient,' said Dr Agarwal. Treatment focuses primarily on avoiding shellfish and all products containing it. 'Individuals diagnosed with shellfish allergy are advised to carry epinephrine auto-injectors (such as an EpiPen), which can reverse severe reactions promptly. Antihistamines may also be prescribed to alleviate mild to moderate symptoms, though they are not a substitute for epinephrine in an emergency,' said Dr Singla. What does recovery look like? Recovery after a severe allergic reaction involves immediate medical attention, followed by close monitoring for complications such as biphasic anaphylaxis (a second wave of symptoms). Post-recovery, the patient needs a follow-up consultation with an allergist to develop an allergy action plan. This plan typically includes education on reading food labels, recognizing early symptoms, and using epinephrine correctly, said Dr Singla. If you suspect you may have a food allergy, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and to develop a management plan. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
I'm allergic to dogs – I've told my fiancé it's me or them
What are allergies? Put simply, allergies occur when the immune system reacts inappropriately to a harmless, foreign substance that gets inside the body. The substance is known as an allergen. Adam Fox is a professor of paediatric allergy at several London hospitals, and one of the UK's leading experts on the subject. 'People who are allergic have a broad genetic tendency called 'atopy' where they have the potential for inappropriate immune responses,' he says. 'The allergy is caused by the genetic tendency, plus environmental factors.' There tend to be four types of allergic conditions – food allergies, eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever falls into the latter category). 'If you have an allergy, your immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE),' says Fox. 'Each antibody is specific to the allergen that causes the overreaction when it sees that trigger' – so there can be different ones for different breeds of dogs, or types of trees, for example. This is why some people are only allergic to cat dander – they only have the IgE antibodies specific to cat dander – while others have allergic reactions to multiple allergens because they have many more types of IgE antibodies. ('Dander' is the name for the dead skin cells that can trigger an allergic reaction.) 'These antibodies send signals to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction,' says Fox. 'The body then releases histamine, which causes itchiness or swelling. Each type of IgE has specific 'radar' for a particular allergen.' Common allergies include pollen, certain foods or, as in my case, hairy animals – (as far as I know, I'm not allergic to fish or snakes). Anaphylaxis – the potentially fatal reaction that leads to swelling of the airways and a dangerous drop in blood pressure – is more prevalent in allergies to foods such as peanuts, and far less likely with animals (though not unheard of). Are allergies – of all types – increasing? It certainly feels like there's more conversation around food allergies these days – all you need to do is receive a menu in a restaurant – but is it actually true that allergies are becoming more common? 'The data on this is conflicting,' says Fox. 'A study from Imperial College last year showed a doubling in food allergies over 10 years, but other research has shown there hasn't been an increase. On the other hand, there is robust data that more people are turning up in A&E with severe reactions to foods.' How is a pet allergy diagnosed? 'If you suspect you have a pet allergy, it is important to discuss this with a GP, especially if you have other allergic conditions such as asthma, rhinitis or eczema,' says the charity Allergy UK. Your GP may refer you for testing to confirm or exclude a pet allergy, done by a blood test for the specific IgE to the suspected animal, or by skin prick testing. Then you might be referred to an allergy specialist. How are pet allergies treated? There are three main approaches, say the experts. Avoidance Keeping away from the allergen. 'This is easier if you are allergic to animals rather than pollen, which can be hard to avoid during the pollen season,' says Fox. (This writer would disagree: dogs, it seems, are as prevalent as trees and flowers these days.) When it comes to pets it's not just as simple as keeping away from their hair or their dander. Anooj Majithia is an consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon at the London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, and the Clementine Churchill Hospital. 'If you are allergic to animals, you will also be affected by the animal's sweat, urine and saliva,' he says. 'For this reason, I'm afraid the idea of a hypoallergenic dog is a myth.' Although, it is true that short-haired dogs such as poodles and schnauzers shed fewer hairs and are less allergenic than other breeds such as labradors and alsatians. The best bet, says Fox, is to keep the pet out of your bedroom at all times. 'Though it can be tricker with cats,' he says. 'Cat dander is lighter than dog dander: it gets around – it was even found on the international space station.' For cat owners unfortunate enough to be allergic to their pets, there are brands of cat food – such as Purina Pro Plan LiveClear – designed to reduce allergens in hair and dander. Sadly, no such product exists for those with dog allergies. Medicines Antihistamines: 'If you know you're going to be in contact with a pet, it's a good idea to start taking long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamines two or three days in advance,' saysFox. 'Fexofenadine or cetirizine are better than short-acting antihistamines such as Piriton. 'If you find these don't work sufficiently, consider doubling the dose after discussion with your GP or pharmacist,' says Fox. There can be a bit of trial and error while you find out which antihistamine works best for you. Nasal sprays: 'Over-the-counter topical steroid nasal sprays such as Beconase, can be useful, but you have to use them every day,' says Fox. Children need a prescription for these. Majithia recommends Dymista, a nasal spray which combines topical steroids and antihistamines – this has just become available over the counter. Note to self: Cetirizine doesn't work that well for me – I'll be trying Fexofenadine, and consider seeing a doctor about Dymista. Immunotherapy, or desensitisation Immunotherapy – often referred to as desensitisation – is a unique treatment for allergic diseases across the spectrum, from pets, to life-threatening allergies such as bee venom or peanuts. It involves the administration of increasing doses of allergen extracts over a period of time, with the view that the patient will develop 'immunity'. There are two types of immunotherapy for allergies: SCIT (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or SLIT (sublingual). The first involves injections and the second, putting drops or tablets containing the allergen under the tongue. Allergy jabs used to be more common, but they carry some risk: according to Fox, between the 1950s and the 1980s, 30 people died of anaphylactic shocks after desensitising injections, so they are rarely used these days. 'Over two billion doses of SLIT have been given, and it's safe,' says Fox, who has prescribed SLIT in families where the parent was a jockey and their child allergic to horses, as well as to the sensitive child of a veterinary surgeon. But for SLIT to be effective, a patient has to take the treatment every day for three years. It's also expensive – at around £100 a month (though exceptional cases have been treated on the NHS). Sadly, for me and other sniffling dog-sufferers, a slam-dunk preventative treatment for animal allergies is still some way off. 'SLIT is most commonly used for grass and tree pollen, as well as house-dust mites, and there are licensed treatments available both on the NHS, and privately,' says Fox. 'As far as pets are concerned, immunotherapy will reduce, rather than eliminate, symptoms, so it's not carte blanche to have a dog or a cat at home.'
